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Hydrodynamic micro-encapsulation of aqueous fluids and cells via 'on the fly' photopolymerization

Hyun-Jik Oh1, So-Hyun Kim1, Ju-Yeoul Baek1, Gi-Hun Seong2 and Sang-Hoon Lee1

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We report a new technique that, in contrast to conventional methods, uses a microfluidic platform for the fabrication of polymeric microcapsules that can contain sensitive biological materials. This encapsulation process is carried out through the use of hydrodynamic phenomena (e.g., multiphase laminar flow), and 'on the fly' photopolymerization. Our method allows for the generation of microcapsules whose size can be controlled by a regulation of flow rates, and the polymerized capsule can protect fragile materials, such as cells, DNA and enzymes from harsh environments. The proposed approach is extended to the fabrication of a microcontainer that can handle small volumes of liquid. The flexibility of the method across different materials and scales is a key advantage over many existing methods.


PACS

85.85.+j Micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) and devices

47.15.Rq Laminar flows in cavities

87.80.-y Biophysical techniques (research methods)

47.85.Np Fluidics

Subjects

Fluid dynamics

Electronics and devices

Instrumentation and measurement

Medical physics

Biological physics

Nanoscale science and low-D systems

Dates

Issue 2 (February 2006)

Received 14 July 2005, in final form 7 November 2005

Published 9 January 2006



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